The transition process from paediatric care to adult care can be challenging for an adolescent and their family. The RCH operates the Transition Support Service which assists with this transition, facilitating and supporting the process.
Beginning in 2008, the program is a dedicated, hospital-wide resource that has now seen over 300 young people. It has a unique, holistic approach which has been shaped by feedback from patients, families and clinical staff. The program aims to create a seamless, supported process for young people moving into adult care and youth mentors play a major role here.
“The program’s model is quite unique to others in that we have youth mentors that have experienced the transition to adult care themselves,” said Evelyn Culnane, Manager of the Transition Support Service. “This method of engagement works really well, as the mentors can relate to the experiences of the young people.”
One of the service’s Transition Youth Mentors, Bec Peters, was a cardiac patient at the RCH for 10 years. Her transition experience has motivated her to assist others.
“I didn’t really have a transition, so I was keen to get involved,” Bec said. “I definitely saw a need for the program and I identified with it.”
Bec said the program aims to support young people to self-manage their illness and addresses a range of issues affecting young people in general.
“We talk about lots of things; travel, independent living, study. The aim is to take small steps – for example, learning about Medicare cards – which add to the long-term picture of being able to self-manage. Adolescence can be a tough time for any young person; when you add a chronic illness to the mix, it can be really difficult.”
Jayden received a heart transplant as a toddler and is no stranger to the RCH, visiting regularly from Tasmania. Now at age 17, Jayden’s upcoming shift to adult care will be supported by the program.
“We [Bec and I] know the same staff and have the same care team,” Jayden said. “Even that makes things a bit easier. She has been through, pretty much, the same thing.”
For heart transplant patients, adult care will take place at the Alfred Hospital, where the Young Adults Clinic has been established. The new transition process with the Alfred Hospital is the outcome of a true collaboration between the RCH Transition Support Service, the RCH Heart Transplant Team and the Alfred Heart Transplant Team. The clinic will also have a holistic approach to young people making the move to adult care.